NCLEX Respiratory Questions
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Question 1 of 5.
The nurse is planning care for a client who has COPD. Which statement is the client most likely to say about activity tolerance?
A. The most difficult time of the day for me is the first hour after waking up in the morning.'
B. I feel best in the morning after a good night's sleep.'
C. I seem to have more energy after eating a big meal.'
D. I don't know why, but I get my 'second wind' at night and don't want to go to bed.'
Explanation: Morning fatigue is common in COPD due to mucus accumulation and poor sleep, affecting activity tolerance.
Question 2 of 5.
The client has been diagnosed with chronic sinusitis. Which sign/symptom alerts the nurse to a potentially life-threatening complication?
A. Muscle weakness.
B. Purulent sputum.
C. Nuchal rigidity.
D. Intermittent loss of muscle control.
Explanation: Nuchal rigidity (C) suggests meningitis, a life-threatening sinusitis complication. Muscle weakness (A) and loss of control (D) are unrelated, and purulent sputum (B) is more typical of respiratory infections.
Question 3 of 5.
The charge nurse on a surgical floor is making assignments. Which client should be assigned to the most experienced registered nurse (RN)?
A. The 36-year-old client who has undergone an antral irrigation for sinusitis yesterday and has moderate pain.
B. The six-(6)-year-old client scheduled for a tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy this morning who will not swallow medication.
C. The 18-year-old client who had a Caldwell-Luc procedure three (3) days ago and has purulent drainage on the drip pad.
D. The 45-year-old client diagnosed with a peritonsillar abscess who requires IVPB antibiotic therapy four (4) times a day.
Explanation: Purulent drainage post-Caldwell-Luc (C) suggests infection, requiring experienced assessment. Antral irrigation (A), tonsillectomy refusal (B), and antibiotics (D) are less complex.
Question 4 of 5.
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with a cold. Which is an example of an alternative therapy?
A. Vitamin C, 2,000 mg daily.
B. Strict bedrest.
C. Humidification of the air.
D. Decongestant therapy.
Explanation: Vitamin C (A) is an alternative therapy for colds, with unproven efficacy. Bedrest (B), humidification (C), and decongestants (D) are standard supportive measures.
Question 5 of 5.
The client diagnosed with a community-acquired pneumonia is being admitted to the medical unit. Which nursing intervention has the highest priority?
A. Administer the ordered oral antibiotic immediately (STAT).
B. Order the meal tray to be delivered as soon as possible.
C. Obtain a sputum specimen for culture and sensitivity.
D. Have the unlicensed assistive personnel weigh the client.
Explanation: Obtaining sputum culture (C) before antibiotics ensures accurate pathogen identification, a priority. Antibiotics (A) follow, meals (B) and weight (D) are less urgent.